Chapter 61. Social Media and Social Isolation

1. Social media has changed the way that people communicate with each other. Since 2005, online social networking has increased dramatically in all age groups, but college students lead the way, with about 95 percent reporting daily use of at least one social media site. Meanwhile, time spent in face-to-face contact with friends and family has dropped. Research suggests this rising use of social media is associated with some beneficial outcomes, but also may create some problems for heavy users.

2. The beneficial effects of social networking flow mainly from its potential to overcome the barriers of time and space, allowing us to connect to distant family members and friends, as well as to people with shared interests all around the globe. This helps us fulfill our affiliation need—the "need to belong" to social groups and to maintain significant social relationships.

3. Paradoxically, spending so much time “connected” to others through social networking can actually promote social isolation, as you have less direct contact with friends in your geographical location. The loneliness of social isolation can harm your physical health, through its association with lack of exercise and poor eating habits, as well as higher stress levels.

4. Social media use can also directly raise stress levels by promoting unrealistic social comparisons. The photos people post on social networking sites convey the impression that everyone has a wonderful life, sometimes leading viewers to feel inadequate and undermining their self-esteem. This problem is amplified if a viewer has experienced cyberbullying.

5. Social media has another negative effect: It can serve as a powerful distraction, interfering with the ability to focus on daily tasks. If your daily life is not going well, social media can allow you to escape from those difficulties rather than face them and deal with them.